The Carolina Panthers' surge to within touching distance of their first playoff berth since 2017 wouldn't have happened without the forceful consistency of the rushing attack. Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard have led the charge, and fourth-round rookie Trevor Etienne continues to flash promise in the kick return game as he waits for his chances in the backfield.
That's been immensely positive, but it came with collateral damage. Etienne's arrival meant the writing was on the wall for Raheem Blackshear. And after struggling to find a home after his departure, the dual-threat weapon received a late-season career lifeline that nobody expected.